How common is excessive sweating in obstructive sleep apnoea?

Night sweats may soak sleepwear or bedding, but the pattern differs between people. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, dry mouth, morning headache, restless sleep and daytime sleepiness can occur with obstructive sleep apnoea. Sweating alone does not establish the diagnosis; warm bedding, infection, medicines and other conditions can also cause it.

Keep a record of night sweating, snoring, witnessed breathing pauses and daytime fatigue. Ask a clinician about a sleep assessment, particularly if someone notices repeated gasping or pauses. A sleep study may record breathing, oxygen patterns and heart rate during sleep. Avoid driving when unusually sleepy and follow advice about alcohol or sedating medicines.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness while awake, chest pain, fainting, blue lips, confusion or difficulty staying awake. Arrange a prompt review if breathing pauses are frequent, daytime sleepiness affects driving or night symptoms are worsening.

Ask whether your symptoms warrant a sleep study, what information a bed partner should record, and whether medicines, nasal blockage or other health issues could contribute. Discuss safe steps for managing daytime sleepiness while awaiting assessment.